EnglishName: Two spot slender hogfish
Local Name : Dhelah hikaa
Size : Max. 10 cm
Family: LABRIDAE
Order : Perciformes
Distinctive Characters: Dorsal fin with 12 spines and 9-10 rays. Anal fin with 3 spines and 12 rays. Pectoral fin with 14-16 rays. Body depth 3.6-4.0 in standard length. Caudal fin rounded.
Colour: Yellow to orange with six narrow red stripes shading to yellow on lower third of head and body. A large yellow edged black spot on opercle and a black spot about the size of pupil on caudal fin base slightly above the end of lateral line.
Habitat and Biology: Generally found on deep outer reef slopes at depths greater than 40 m. Feeds on benthic invertebrates.
Distribution: Indo-West Pacific.
Remarks: Bodianus bimaculatus is the smallest member of the genus. It does not appear to be common in
Maldives. This may be because it is a rather deep dwelling species.